“We are, at last, building a science of intimate relationships. We are mapping out how our conversations and actions reflect our deepest needs and fears and build or tear down our most precious connections with others.” Dr. Sue Johnson (Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love) Creating a lasting, loving relationship isn’t

What were your visions of romantic love before you became a couple? You likely had grand expectations of a coupled life. Most of us do. Generally, those ideas are fueled by one's values, dreams, experiences, and desires. Yet, the realities of true partnership when love does come along can punch a few holes in some of our most cherished

Money is one of the most common issues couples fight about, even before marriage. But once you share finances or have to talk to each other about them, things can start to feel pretty tense.  While there are plenty of old stereotypes and tropes about “money fights,” they’re no laughing matter.  Knowing how to talk about your finances

When couples feel disconnected, it can be difficult to feel like there is a strong emotional bond. Each partner feels insecure about whether the other truly cares about them. If you believe that your partner doesn’t care about you, then you may wonder about their feelings about the relationship. It’s this kind of questioning that can weaken or

Premarital counseling isn’t necessarily for everyone. But it can be very beneficial for some couples who are getting ready to make a lifelong commitment. Knowing whether you will benefit from premarital counseling can help you to make an informed decision about seeking it out.  Chances are, you’ve been so caught up in the bliss of the

Arguments happen, even in healthy relationships. It’s how you argue that makes the difference between strengthening your relationship or disconnection. Recurring arguments about the same subject typically mean there are underlying issues not being worked out. If you’re having the same argument repeatedly with no real resolution, there’s likely a

You’ve prayed and read scripture. Maybe you’ve talked to mentors in your circle of loved ones. Perhaps you’ve even studied couples that seem to have what you want: a loving, communicative, rock-solid connection. And now, you’ve decided that you’re ready to turn the corner on your relationship. Where do you go now? Do you dig in and try to keep

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8 ESV) Marriage is meant to bloom over time, again and again. When it has deep roots and is nurtured well, it becomes strong. After the honeymoon period, past the 7-year itch, and through the various phases of marital growth, you and your spouse can

There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor.” ― Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol “Life is worth living as long as there’s a laugh in it.” ― Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables “I don’t trust anyone who doesn’t laugh.” ― Maya Angelou Laughter is powerful in our relationships. It’s a bridge when

How should we behave in our intimate relationships? Should we hold tight or hold back? Should we press toward each other or press for increasing independence? It’s tough to know. Especially when the negativity of certain relationship buzzwords like “dependency” warns us off seeming too clingy, feeling too needy, or becoming too vulnerable. If